Portrait - the finish

So here we are finally done. Of course, this declaration is dependent upon the client's reaction at our noon meeting tomorrow! But I am satisfied with the image after simplifying the background, defining the detail in the embroidery, and giving the black blouse another glaze of deeper color. Let me know what you think...

Portrait - build to clarify

So here I am coming up to my deadline. This lovely lady is leaving for Singapore in four days. At this stage, I try to clarify all areas enriching clothing, background, skin tones. Finish the background by making it less agitated and simpler. And the big thing, of course, is to define and simplify the embroidery on the shirt as our big finish.

Portrait - the next step...

You may notice that I bounce around a bit from subject to subject. I thought this blog would have been about the other paintings and small things that I do while traveling or in preparation to do a much larger painting instead of the portraits. However, I have heard from some of my students and artist friends. They would be much more interested in the day to day workings of the studio. So I am moving in that direction. Friday was a paper day...accounting, calendars, updates, printing, filing, etc. Some painting took place and I am now just getting it out to show you. Here is the portrait of my lovely client from Singapore. The next step was to add darks and define planes a bit more. Notice that I do have some lights in the painting at this stage. As I am moving in and out of a residental location to do this painting, I use the light notes to help me reposition her. The background will help me determine better values on skin, hair, clothing as I proceed. It still is a little harsh looking with large brushstrokes and big broken patterns which are perhaps seen better close up. But here we are...